Alan is going away to camp next week. It will be for FIVE days. I am having a minor panic attack about it. The only time Alan has been away without family overnight was one camp weekend. Every other time, at least Joe was with him.
What have I done?
He can't tell me if he's miserable. He can't tell me if they mistreat him. He can't tell me if he's having the time of his life and wants to go every week next summer. He can't tell me anything about it. Oh and he's three hours away from home -- his weekend camp is 30 minutes away.
What have I done?
I know the camp has a good reputation. Lots of kids go each week (about 150) and they've been in operation for years. He will get to be outside and probably climb trees to his heart's content. But what if they won't let him climb trees? How will he communicate his problems? Heck, half the time I have no clue why he's upset. How the heck is a stranger going to figure out the problem?
Well, he's gone to assorted schools since he was 3. I was never there. He did just fine. Most of the dedicated professionals who have worked with him have been fantastic. They aren't in this field for the money. They are in it for the kiddos. Of course the bad apples get all the press so that is what has me stressed.
In reality he will probably have a blast.
I am looking forward to painting his room (it has been probably 8 years since I painted it!) and maybe just having a little "me" time.
Joe is counting the days until little brother leaves.
DH will take a a day or two of vacation and we have some fun evenings planned.
We are all looking forward to five straight nights of sleeping through the night!
What have I done?
I've arranged for a week away for all of us. As Thomas the Tank Engine says, "Sometimes a change is as good as a rest."
Here's to a week of change!
I can sympathize with your predicament! I understand your mixed feelings about Alan to camp. Please do try to relax and enjoy your time off without worry too much.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel your fear but you need this, I'm sorry but you do. You need the week of respite camp for you and DH. And Joe, to some extent. It doesn't mean you don't love Allen with every fiber. It just means that he gets to go to camp and you get some rest. He will (hopefully) have a great time, with the opportunity to climb new buildings. But I get the fear, I really do. Boo's inability to communicate about her day is so difficult because like you said you never really know if it was a good day or horrid. I'll be thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteMixed feelings. I get it! As you know, he'll probably have a blast!
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies. I know he will have a good time and we all need a break but he's still my "baby" at 5' 6" and 195 pounds. :-/
ReplyDeleteWow! I know it will be hard and a bit different but sounds like a wonderful win, win for everyone involved. If the camp has a good reputation after all those years in service I bet they have experiance to figure his needs out quickly. And all that precious family time togther as he is away having a good time. I will be praying for you all!
ReplyDeleteI still remember how hard it was to let Smiley go into respite once a month when she turned 12, but how I look forward to it now, and she enjoys the time with her friends too: I know by the way she is when she comes hom. I'm sure this break will be good for all of you xx
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